Mali football giants Stade Malien de Bamako have accused their former coach Mauril Mesack Njoya of leaving the club without approval after he joined Democratic Republic of Congo side AS Maniema Union.
The Sotuba-based club announced the end of their relationship with the Cameroonian coach on Tuesday, 7 July 2026, claiming his decision to move to the Congolese club represented a breach of contract.
Stade Malien said Njoya still had an agreement with the club until July 2027 but departed to take charge of AS Maniema Union after reportedly signing a three-year deal with the DRC side.
According to the club, Njoya had travelled to Cameroon on 11 June with their permission to attend family commitments, including his daughter’s wedding and the funeral of his mother-in-law.
Stade Malien said it supported the trip by covering his return flight expenses and expected him back in Bamako on 12 July to begin preparations for the 2026-27 season.
However, club officials said they were surprised to learn through media reports that the coach had agreed to join AS Maniema Union on 5 July.
The Mali club also claimed that Njoya had previously dismissed speculation about his possible departure, making his move to DR Congo unexpected.
In a statement, Stade Malien described the coach’s actions as “disloyal and irresponsible behavior” and accused him of ending their contractual agreement unilaterally.
The club said it would now seek legal advice and explore possible steps over what it considers a violation of contractual obligations.
“Stade Malien considers this signing a unilateral breach of contractual obligations,” the club said in its statement.
The Malian side added that it would continue to update supporters and the wider football community as the situation develops, including any potential action before relevant authorities.
Njoya’s departure comes at a time when clubs across African football continue to navigate challenges surrounding coaching contracts, player movements and cross-border transfers.
For Stade Malien, the priority will now be preparing for the upcoming season while resolving the dispute surrounding their former coach.
The club is one of Mali’s most recognised football institutions and has a long history in African club competitions. The departure of Njoya creates uncertainty as they look ahead to the 2026-27 campaign.
AS Maniema Union, meanwhile, have secured the services of a coach who was still under contract with another club, a move that has triggered the dispute with Stade Malien.
